Five Best Moments from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Rob Slater on June 3, 2014

While the actual ceremony took place on April 10, on May 31 the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was unveiled to the rest of the world who couldn’t be in the arena at Barclays Center. From KISS to Nirvana to Peter Gabriel, there was truly something for everyone on this night. Here are five of the best moments from the ceremony.

Peter Gabriel & Chris Martin: “Washing of the Water”

In his speech, Martin remarked that this was one of his favorite songs by anyone, ever, making the collaboration that much more meaningful. With two distinctive voices on the tune, it played out more like a conversation (albeit a depressing one) with a stellar backing band featuring bassist Pino Palladino.

Bruce Springsteen’s Speech

After the controversy surrounding Springsteen’s solo induction, all was made right this year as The Boss welcomed his band into rock immortality. With a band that has soldiered on for the better part of fifty years, there are stories about triumphs, tribulations and loss as Bruce holds nothing back in an incredibly emotional and honest moment.

This speech is everything that’s great about music, from the person giving it to the people involved to the subject matter. Anyone who knows the slightest about the history of the E Street Band will enjoy this 16-minute speech.

Linda Ronstadt Tribute: “It’s So Easy to Fall in Love”

If there wasn’t already enough rock royalty in the house, Stevie Nicks went ahead and added to it with her appearance during the Linda Ronstadt tribute for the classic “It’s So Easy to Fall in Love.” You can also find Carrie Underwood, Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Sheryl Crow and Glenn Frey from The Eagles sitting in on the dude backed by a band with the likes of Will Lee and Paul Shaffer.

Tom Morello’s Speech

Much like Springsteen’s speech, Morello inducted KISS with the same heartfelt intentions, except with a more heavy metal spin on it. This was clearly the work of someone who idolized the Fearsome Foursome, as the RATM guitarist recounted the time he first saw the band as a kid. Morello also made a point to list all of the bands KISS influenced, further proving the breadth of their legacy and raising even more questions as to why the Rock Hall denied the legendary rock group entrance for so long.

Nirvana

“Smells Like Teen Spirit” w/Joan Jett

“Lithium” w/Annie Clark

“All Apologies” w/Lorde

Nirvana took their rightful place in the Hall of Fame and the surviving members brought out the likes of Joan Jett, Annie Clark, Kim Gordon and Lorde to front the band on various songs. The finale certainly didn’t disappoint as Grohl, Novoselic and Smear powered through four songs while a photo montage of the band over the years rolled.

And of course–THIS happened.